About University of California-Riverside
The financial picture looks promising for most students. The average net price after aid is $13,707, well below the sticker price of in-state tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,240 annually. Ten years after graduation, the median salary reaches $67,699, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $17,500. With monthly loan payments averaging $186, graduates can handle their obligations without financial strain.
The student body reflects California's changing demographics, with Hispanic students comprising 40% and Asian students 36% of enrollment. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The Highlanders compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports, though the 298 total athletes represent a small fraction of the large campus community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 89.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 76.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.6%
- Retention Rate
- 88.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,699
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $79,838 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,617 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,076 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $63,005 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Doctoral | $60,839 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,320 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,912 |
| Education, General. | Master | $58,568 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,464 |
Campus Life
Weekend life centers around the diverse student body where 40.08% are Hispanic and 35.80% are Asian. Students often head to nearby Palm Springs for desert adventures or make the drive to LA beaches. The Highlanders compete in 13 NCAA Division I sports with 298 total athletes, though the 23:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll find more students studying in the library than cheering in the stands. Many work part-time jobs since 46.69% receive Pell Grants, creating a campus culture where academic ambition mixes with real-world responsibility.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,700 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
308 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 185 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 34 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 14 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–69°F
- July Avg
- 62°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 10.5%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 40.1%
- Asian
- 35.8%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.7%
Location
- Address
- Riverside, California 92521
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,699
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,411
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Riverside?
UC Riverside accepts 68.69% of applicants, making it one of the more accessible UC campuses. The university prioritizes building California's most diverse student body, with 40.08% Hispanic and 35.80% Asian students.
How much does University of California-Riverside cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,707 for all students, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,240 after aid, while the university meets substantial financial need through its commitment to affordability.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of California-Riverside?
The student-faculty ratio is 23:1 across the university's 22,644 enrolled students. UC Riverside operates on a quarter system and maintains strong research programs despite the larger class sizes typical of public universities.
What do University of California-Riverside graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $67,699 ten years after graduation with manageable debt levels averaging $17,500. The university's focus on serving first-generation college students and diverse populations creates strong economic mobility for graduates.
Where do University of California-Riverside students live on campus?
The campus houses 8,700 students in residence halls and apartments, serving about 38% of the total enrollment. Nearly all students (97.49%) come from California, creating a strong in-state community in the large city setting of Riverside.
Does University of California-Riverside compete in Division I athletics?
The Highlanders compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big West Conference with 13 varsity sports. The athletic program awards $4.27 million in scholarships to 298 student-athletes while maintaining the university's academic focus.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.